Unrefined copper exports from Zambia: data, top buyers and prices
Zambia exported $7.44 billion of unrefined copper in 2024 (800.3 thousand tonnes). It ranks 1st of 104 countries for exports of this product. Value rose 7% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $7.44B | 800.3K t |
| 2023 | $6.95B | 805.5K t |
| 2022 | $6.61B | 730.8K t |
| 2021 | $6.27B | 676.4K t |
| 2020 | $6.22B | 771.8K t |
| 2019 | $6.13B | 721.7K t |
| 2018 | $5.71B | 1.15M t |
| 2017 | $4.41B | 1.56M t |
Where Zambia exports unrefined copper to
Switzerland alone took 51% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $3.77B | 51% |
| China | $1.90B | 26% |
| India | $1.59B | 21% |
| Singapore | $110.4M | 1.5% |
| Hong Kong | $60.5M | 0.8% |
| Luxembourg | $6.4M | 0.1% |
| United States | $3.2M | 0% |
| Eswatini | $55K | 0% |
| South Africa | $10K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $4K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.29 per kg, close to the world average of $9.36.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia unrefined copper exports (HS 7402): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 7402: Copper; unrefined, copper anodes for electrolytic refining.
Common questions
What is the value of unrefined copper exported by Zambia?
Zambia exported unrefined copper worth $7.44 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 800.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 104 countries worldwide, with 38% of world exports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries buy unrefined copper from Zambia?
Switzerland was the largest buyer with 51% of the value ($3.77 billion), followed by China (26%) and India (21%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 10 buyer countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 211% on the year.
What is the average export price of unrefined copper per kg?
The average declared export value was about $9.29 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $9.36 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of unrefined copper from Zambia changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.41 billion in 2017 to $7.44 billion in 2024, an increase of 69%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $6.22 billion a year.
What is the HS code for unrefined copper?
The HS code for unrefined copper is heading 7402. In Zambia all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 7402.00. It sits in HS chapter 74 (copper and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7402 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for Zambia. Tell us your product to see it live.
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